November is gratitude month, and honestly, I am soaking in every drop of it. This year has been a mixed bag for so many people. I started January thinking everyone was gearing up for a magical, everything clicks kind of year. As the months went on and I connected with more of you in Evergreen, Conifer, Pine, Bailey, and the rest of our beautiful Colorado foothills, I realized that 2025 has been kind to some and brutal to others. Life just does its thing.

Even so, there is always something to be grateful for. I’m convinced that what you focus on expands, so I try to place my attention on the good, even on the days when it feels far away. My own morning ritual helps. I start every day with a full liter of Earl Grey tea with honey and oat milk. I look forward to it the night before. At 7 AM sharp, I crawl into bed with Sterling for our daily cuddle-wake-up routine. Then Bridger shuffles out with his sleepy hug, and it is honestly the best way to start any day.

After that, the day can go up, down, or sideways, but at least I have my tea and my boys. If there is a point to my rambling, it’s this. Start your day with something you love, and when you catch yourself ruminating on the negative, steer yourself gently back to something positive. It gets easier the more you practice. I promise.

Now, back to this week because it was a full one.

We adopted a new kitten on Tuesday! She is tiny, sweet, and full of attitude, and we’re torn between naming her Silver or Tetons. We also have a hold on another kitten who looks a lot like Ziggs. Many of you know we lost Ziggs about two and a half weeks ago. He was a street cat, half wild and fully loved. Part of me believes he is still out there exploring the foothills and might stroll home any day. Until then, our hearts are healing with some new furry faces, and the kittens will be indoor homebodies for their safety.

On the kid front, Bridger started basketball tryouts. I think he will make the team, and I am thrilled for him. Because of his elbow injury he cannot play baseball anymore, but I am excited for him to play a sport that keeps us inside warm gyms instead of freezing bleachers under blankets and umbrellas. He’s juggling school, work, and sports with so much effort that I can hardly stand how proud I am. Driver's ed, however, is still on my avoidance list. I’m only human.

Sterling is loving student leadership, whatever it is they do in there, and Tag’s work schedule has finally leveled out. A little space, a little routine, and suddenly life feels a lot smoother. Again, so much to be grateful for.

This weekend I am hosting the Blessing Baskets collection at Conifer CrossFit. If you want to help, here is the info:
Blessing Baskets Guide:https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ykNAyCvroeAo3C8ifbnD2YSHCxDLKkCB2sIlOaozMCA/edit?usp=sharing

If you cannot make the Sunday drop-off, I can pick up your basket earlier. I already grabbed a basket from Doreen at Hairport 54 Salon, and her generosity nearly made me cry. Please support her business and the others who have donated so far:
Hairport 54: https://www.hairport54.net
Conifer Bike Shop: https://www.coniferbikes.com
House Plant House: https://houseplant.house

We are aiming for 25 Blessing Baskets this year to support foothills families in need, and it is not too late to participate.

Foothills Real Estate: Market Slowdown, Bright Spots, and What I’m Seeing on the Ground

From Evergreen to Fairplay, the holiday slowdown has arrived. The Colorado mountain home market is settling into that cozy lull that hits every November. Think of the pace right now as the real estate version of a post-Thanksgiving nap.

Here is the snapshot for November 5 through 11, 2025:

Inventory is drifting downward. Listings are tapering off as sellers wait for spring. Levels are still slightly higher than last year, but the gap is closing.

New listings are quiet. Sellers are hitting the snooze button, although “Coming Soon” listings are showing a small perk of energy.

Pending transactions are easing. Buyers are taking their time as we head into the season of turkey, tinsel, and travel. Even so, compared to last year, buyer energy is stronger.

Odds of selling are softening. Homes are moving, but not with the same energy we saw in spring or early fall.

Showings are increasing, but buyers are browsing, not committing. It is taking almost twenty showings to get a contract, which is common this time of year.

Days on market continue to stretch. Buyers are watching, waiting, and sipping cocoa, and sellers need patience.

Price reductions are climbing. Strategic reductions are working. Sellers who hold firm may wait until February for renewed buyer activity.

And despite the slowdown, there are still bright spots. I had a listing in Fairplay go under contract in just one day, and it closed over asking, which is not common right now. When you list the right home at the right price with the right strategy, buyers respond, even in November.

If you are thinking about buying or selling in Evergreen, Conifer, Morrison, Bailey, Pine, or the surrounding foothills, now is a great time to talk strategy. Winter is often overlooked, but it can be a powerful window for both buyers and sellers.